Aerodynamic rail covers

ABSTRACT

An aerodynamic rail cover for an operating room with laminar airflow is provided. The rail cover comprises a rail cover component configured to be movably attached to a support rail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical imaging system. The rail cover component comprises a base element and an air guiding surface element connected to the base element. The base element is configured to be attached to a portion of the support rail of the ceiling mounted support arrangement. The air guiding surface element forms an air guide to be mounted at least temporarily to cover a portion of the support rail of the ceiling mounted support arrangement. The air guiding surface element comprises two surface parts that extend from starting edges on opposite sides of the base element to a common trailing edge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/955,853, filed on Jun. 19, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.11,576,831, which is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/084425 filed Dec. 12,2018, which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No.17208895.7, filed on Dec. 20, 2017. These applications are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aerodynamic rail cover for anoperating room with laminar airflow, to a laminar airflow system for anoperating room with a medical imaging system, to a medical imagingsystem for an operating room with laminar airflow, to an operating roomarrangement with a laminar airflow and to a method for providing alaminar airflow for an operating room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For operations or other medical interventions, e.g. in a hospital, airsupply requirements may exist, in particular with regards to the patientarea in an operating room, which zone is also referred to as theoperating zone. Temperature, air speed, relative humidity and alsolimited values for different grades of air purity in the sterileoperating zone exist. In order to prevent contaminated environmental airentering the operating zone to prevent exposure of the patient's body toairborne contaminants while he/she is being operated, for example duringsurgical interventions and also during medical imaging procedures,treated air, e.g. filtered, cleaned or sterilized air, may be suppliedto the operating zone. As an example, laminar air flow (LAF) unitsprovide an air downflow from the ceiling, e.g. from the ceilingdownwards towards a patient table, to cover the zone of the operatingtable and some of the adjacent surrounding zone. However, the airdownflow may be affected by medical equipment suspended from theceiling, such as an X-ray imaging system. As an example, WO 2016/116389A1 describes an air supply for providing a laminar downflow to anoperating zone, wherein the carriage also provides an air downflow.Nevertheless, support structures in the ceiling area may still impairthe laminar air downflow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There may thus be a need to provide measures to improve the provision ofa laminar airflow in an operating zone.

The object of the present invention is solved by the subject-matter ofthe independent claims; further embodiments are incorporated in thedependent claims. It should be noted that the following describedaspects of the invention apply also for the aerodynamic rail cover foran operating room with laminar airflow, for the laminar airflow systemfor an operating room with a medical imaging system, for the medicalimaging system for an operating room with laminar airflow, for theoperating room arrangement with a laminar airflow and for the method forproviding a laminar airflow for an operating room.

According to the present invention, an aerodynamic rail cover for anoperating room with laminar airflow is provided. The rail covercomprises at least one cover component that comprises a base element andan air guiding surface element connected to the base element. The baseelement is configured to be attached to a portion of a support rail of aceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical imaging system. The airguiding surface element forms an air guide to be mounted at leasttemporarily to cover a portion of the support rail and comprises twosurface parts that are extending from starting edges on opposite sidesof the base element to a common trailing edge. Further, the rail covercomponent is configured to be movably attached to the support rail ofthe ceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical imaging system.

This provides a possibility to improve the laminar airflow field and toincrease the size of the spatially continuously provided laminarairflow.

The air guiding surface element comprises the two surface parts. Thesurface parts each extend from the starting edges to the trailing edge.The surface parts are thus forming the air guide.

In an example, the rail cover component is configured to be movablyconnected to the support rail to be movable along the support rail.

In an example, the term “base element” and “an air guiding surfaceelement” relate to separate constructive components that are mounted toeach other. In another example, the terms relate to integral parts of abi-functional component.

In an example, a single aerodynamic rail cover is provided, for examplewhen a support rail arrangement only comprises a single support rail. Orwhen only one or a pair of rails is affecting a flow field of a laminarairflow.

In a preferred example, a pair of rail covers, or a rail cover pair, isprovided, for example when a support rail arrangement comprises a pair,i.e. two support rails. Or when two rails out of two or more rails isaffecting a flow field of a laminar airflow.

As an example, it is provided a pair of trail covers that are configuredwith the same or similar cross section, i.e. the same or similaraerodynamic effective surface or profile.

As another example, it is provided a pair of trail covers that areconfigured with different sections, i.e. different aerodynamic effectivesurfaces or profiles.

According to an example, the rail cover component is configured to beslidably attached to the support rail of the ceiling mounted supportarrangement of a medical imaging system.

According to an example, a sliding guiderail arrangement is providedwith cover support guiderails to be arranged along each longitudinalside of the support rail. The rail cover component is slidablysuspending from the cover support guiderails.

In another option, the rail cover component is slidably suspending fromthe support rail.

According to an example, at least two cover segments are provided. Atleast one of the at least one cover segments is arrangeable on the railin a temporarily displaceable manner to provide an adjustable rail coversegment. One of the at least two cover segments is at least partlyinsertable into one of the other at least two cover segments. The atleast two cover segments are forming a telescopic cover component.

In an example, an area of the support rail between the two outer coversegments remains uncovered.

According to an example, three cover segments are provided. A firstouter segment, a middle segment and a second outer segment are provided.The two outer segments are provided with a wider cross-section such thatthey can be moved over the middle segment.

In an example, the two outer segments each have half the length of themiddle segment.

In an example, the two outer segments and the middle segment are movablyattachable to a guiding rail.

In an example, the rail cover component is an adaptable rail covercomponent comprising at least one telescopic cover segment with aplurality of telescopic cover elements. Preferably, one end of theadaptable cover component is configured to be fixed, whereas the otherend is configured to be displaceable providing a rail cover componentwith adaptable length.

In an example, the rail cover component is an adaptable rail covercomponent that comprises at least one telescopic cover segment with aplurality of telescopic cover elements.

In addition, or alternatively, the rail cover component is an adaptablerail cover component that comprises at least one bellows cover segment.For example, the bellows cover segment is provided as a harmonic foldingrail cover. The length of the cover can be varied by compression orexpansion of a flexible bag-like structure, i.e. like a bellowarrangement.

In an example, two cover segments are provided, and one of the two coversegments is fixedly mountable to the support rail to provide a fixedrail cover segment, and the other of the two cover segments isarrangeable on the rail in a temporarily displaceable manner to providean adjustable rail cover segment.

The displaceable cover segment may be provided as movable or as a coverthat changes the outer shape, such as telescopic segments. To move ordisplace the cover segment(s) allows to make use of the guide rails thatare otherwise covered by the cover segments. However, when some parts ofthe rail segments are not used, the movable covers provide to restorethe laminar flow.

Preferably, the adjustable rail cover segment is provided as a movablecover segment. The movable cover segment is at least partly insertableinto the fixed rail cover segment, or the fixed rail cover segment is atleast partly insertable into the movable cover segment. The two coversegments are forming a telescopic cover component.

The telescopic cover component can also be referred to as an adaptabletelescopic rail cover component.

The aerodynamic rail cover is also referred to as ARC.

In an example, the ARC is split in a fixed, hollow piece and a movablepiece with a slightly smaller cross-section so that it will slide intothe hollow/fixed piece when it is propelled by the X-ray systemslongitudinal carriage.

The configuration of this example provides that the laminar airflow isundisturbed (by the ceiling rails) when the X-ray system is parked.Further, the rail cover allows the X-ray carriage to travel the fulllength of the rail. Still further, the fixed, hollow part of theaerodynamic cover extends beyond the end of the rail and has a length,sufficient to store the travel length of the movable rail cover.

In another example, a multiple stage telescopic rail cover is provided.Multiple segments, similar shaped, are sliding along the rail whichsegments slide into each other when propelled by the X-ray systemslongitudinal carriage. In an example, the two surface parts each providean essentially equal guiding length between the starting edges and thetrailing edge.

According to an example, a coupling is provided for connecting themovable rail cover component to a carriage of an imaging system, whichcarriage moves along the support rail. The rail cover is configured tocover the support rail. The coupling is provided as a magnetic couplingthat is dis-connectable if the carriage moves outside the covering rangeof the rail cover.

When the carriage is moved, and abuts a cover segment, the cover segmentcan simply be moved by forward pushing. When moving in the oppositedirection, for example back after a target positon has been reached, thecover segment is also pulled back by the magnetic connector. If thecover segment has reached its final destination, and the carriage ismoved further, the magnetic connection disconnects.

It is noted that the magnetic coupling is provided as an option. Also,other detachable connecting mechanisms are provided.

In an example, two cover components are provided for covering portionsof each rail of a pair of support rails.

In an example, two cover segments are provided, and one of the two coversegments is fixedly mountable to the support rail to provide a fixedrail cover segment, and the other of the two cover segments isarrangeable on the rail in a temporarily displaceable manner to providean adjustable rail cover segment. In an option, the adjustable railcover segment is provided as a movable cover segment. The movable coversegment is at least partly insertable into the fixed rail cover segment,or the fixed rail cover segment is at least partly insertable into themovable cover segment i.e. the movable cover segment is wider such thatit can be moved across the fixed cover segment. The two cover segmentsare forming a telescopic cover component.

According to an example, the starting edges are configured to bearranged next to border regions of a laminar airflow plenum such that anintermediate region between two laminar airflow fields is bridged by theair guiding surface element in order to provide a re-established laminarairflow of the two laminar airflow fields downstream the trailing edge.

In an example, the intermediate region is a region that does notactively contribute to the laminar flow of the laminar airflow fields.For example, the intermediate region is a blocked region that does notprovide a laminar airflow in a plane of the laminar airflow plenumfield.

In an example, the cover component has a downward protruding dimensionin a range of minimum 10 cm and maximum 50 cm, for example 25 cm.

For example, a height of 21 cm for the height of the rail cover isprovided.

In another example, the protruding dimension has a maximum of 20 cm. Inother words, the rail cover segment has a maximum height ofapproximately 20 cm.

According to an example, a width of the rail cover segment is defined bythe distance between the starting edges, and a height of the rail coversegment is defined by a distance from a plane formed by the startingedges to the common trailing edge. In an example, the width is equal orlarger than the height.

In an option, the two surface parts, in their starting portions, eachextend from the starting edges in an essentially perpendicular directionto a plane of a ceiling surface. In a further option, additionally oralternatively, the two surface parts, in their trailing edge portions,merge with an acute angle. In a still further option, additionally oralternatively, the two surface parts, in their middle portions, run inan angle wider than the acute angle at the trailing edge, but alsonarrower that at the starting edges.

It is noted that the shape of the two surface parts with the threeoptions is provided as an additional or alternative option to thewidth-height ratio.

In an example, the polluted air is entering the LAF area from outside.In this case, the rail cover is installed on the rails in the form ofsmall segments positioned in the border region of the LAF area, whererails are crossing the actual edge of the plenums. This way the coversare re-establishing the airflow in the border region, thus creating anairflow curtain, which isolates the sterile area from the contaminated.

The small segment would be propelled by the ceiling carriage of theX-ray system along the longitudinal rail. This would require the ceilingrail to be elongated by the length of this rail-cover segment in orderto maintain the same maximum travel of the X-ray system or alternativelyto sacrifice some of its range.

In an example, two cover components are provided for covering portionsof each rail of a pair of support rails.

According to the present invention, also a laminar airflow system for anoperating room with a medical imaging system is provided. The airflowsystem comprises at least one laminar airflow outlet configured toprovide at least one laminar airflow plenum. The at least one laminarairflow outlet is configured to provide an airflow towards a patienttable. A support rail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement of amedical imaging system is arrangeable downstream the laminar airflowoutlet or adjacent to the laminar airflow plenum. At least one railcover for covering at least one part of the support rail. The rail coveris provided as an aerodynamic rail cover according to one of theexamples above.

According to an example, the support rail reaches across the outerboundaries of the laminar airflow outlet. The aerodynamic rail covercomprises at least two segments from which at least one is provided asan outer movable segment. The at least one outer movable segment isarrangeable in an area of the outer boundaries of the laminar airflowoutlet.

According to an example, the aerodynamic rail cover comprises at leastthree segments. In addition to the at least one two outer movablesegment, at least one forms a middle segment. Further, the at least oneouter movable segment is provided with a wider cross section than themiddle segment such that the at least one outer movable segment can bemoved over the middle movable segment.

According to the present invention, also a medical imaging system for anoperating room with laminar airflow is provided. The imaging systemcomprises an image acquisition arrangement with a source and a detector,a ceiling mounted support arrangement with at least one support rail anda carriage movable along at least a part of the support rail, and atleast one rail cover for covering at least one part of the support rail.At least one of the source and detector is movably supported by thecarriage. At least a part of the at least one support rail isarrangeable downstream a laminar airflow outlet or adjacent to a laminarairflow plenum provided by the laminar airflow outlet. The rail cover isprovided as an aerodynamic rail cover according to one of the examplesabove.

According to the present invention, also an operating room arrangementwith a laminar airflow is provided. The arrangement comprises at least aceiling region, a laminar airflow system, and a medical imaging system.The laminar airflow system comprises at least one laminar airflow outletconfigured to provide at least one laminar airflow plenum. At least onelaminar airflow outlet is configured to provide an airflow towards apatient table. The medical imaging system comprises an image acquisitionarrangement with a source and a detector, and a support arrangement withat least one support rail mounted in the ceiling region and a carriagemovable along at least a part of the support rail. At least one of thesource and detector is movably supported by the carriage. Further, atleast a part of the at least one support rail is arranged downstream thelaminar airflow outlet. At least one rail cover for covering at leastone part of the support rail is provided. The rail cover is provided asan aerodynamic rail cover according to one of the examples above.

According to the present invention, also a method for providing alaminar airflow for an operating room is provided. The method comprisesthe following steps:

-   -   a) Providing a first plenum of laminar airflow and a second        plenum of laminar airflow. The first and second plenum are        separated from each other by a laminar-flow-free region.    -   b) Guiding a border portion of the first laminar airflow along a        first surface part of an air guiding surface, and guiding a        border portion of the second laminar airflow along a second        surface part of the air guiding surface. The first and second        surface parts are extending from starting edges close to the        first and second plenum, respectively, to a common trailing        edge, wherein the first surface part and the second surface part        and the training edge are forming an air guide covering a        portion of the laminar-flow-free region. The rail cover        component is configured to be movably attached to the support        rail of the ceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical        imaging system.

According to an aspect, a cover is provided to be placed on components,for example rails, that are arranged within a field of laminar airflow.The cover has two lateral surfaces that meet in a common edge to guidetwo lateral laminar airflows to form a common laminar airflow. Theguiding surfaces thus repair or generate a common field of laminarairflow. The cover is movable along the rails in order to ensure anadaptive cover that still allows movement of equipment along the railsfor positioning purposes.

In an example, the two lateral surfaces form a wedge-like cover thatprovides smooth transition portions in its surface orientations in orderto provide guiding to adjacent laminar airflows. The surfaces that areexposed to the adjacent laminar flow have a similar, e.g. parallelorientation to make the laminar flow passing along the surface. Thedirection changes without abrupt changes but with gentle changes, e.g.by tangential transition portions. The airflow will follow the contourand is thus guided. As the guidance takes place on both sides of thecover, two air flows are directed towards the common trailing edge wherethe two airflows are combined to one common airflow. As a result, theairflow field no longer has a separation or disturbance caused by therail. The drawing in of contaminated air from the surrounding into thelaminar flow is prevented or at least minimized. Without the cover, azone of underpressure would be caused in the area of the rails whichunderpressure would lead to drawing in (contaminated) air from thesurrounding.

The rail cover avoids the underpressure by constantly leading theairflow streams on both sides towards each other. Instead of an abruptzone with lower pressure, the two airflows are distributed in a smoothand continuous manner to form a common laminar airflow field.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparentfrom and be elucidated referring to the embodiments describedhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in thefollowing referring to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate an example of a rail cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an example of a rail cover.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an example of a rail cover segmentattached to a support rail in an operating room.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of an example of a rail coversegment in a border region of a laminar airflow plenum.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a top view of an operating room arrangementwith a laminar airflow system and a medical imaging system. A railarrangement is provided that is equipped with aerodynamic rail covers.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show a rail arrangement with rail covers resulting inan adaptable coverage of the laminar airflow with the aerodynamic railcovers. FIG. 6 a shows a carriage for an X-ray imaging system in a firstposition, and FIG. 6 b shows the carriage in a second position withdisplaced cover segments.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of an operating room witha medical imaging system and laminar airflow system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a vertical cross section of a flow field simulationwith two rail covers arranged in parts with ceiling mounted rails.

FIG. 9 shows basic steps of an example of a method for providing alaminar airflow for an operating room.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section of an example with a sliding guiderailarrangement for cover support.

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of a ceiling support rail of an imagingsystem with a carriage and two cover segments on each support rail.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a ceiling support rail of an imagingsystem with a carriage and three cover segments on each support rail.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the example of FIG. 12 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 a shows an aerodynamic rail cover 10 for an operating room withlaminar airflow. The rail cover 10 comprises at least one covercomponent 12. The cover component 12 comprises a base element 14 and anair guiding surface element 16 connected to the base element 14. Thebase element 14 is configured to be attached to a portion of a supportrail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical imagingsystem. The air guiding surface element 16 forms an air guide to bemounted at least temporarily to cover a portion of the support rail andcomprises two surface parts 18 that are extending from starting edges 20on opposite sides of the base element to a common trailing edge. Therail cover component is configured to be movably attached to the supportrail of the ceiling mounted support arrangement of a medical imagingsystem.

The rail cover component is configured to be movably connected to thesupport rail to be movable along the support rail.

In an option, the base element 14 and the air guiding surface element 16are provided in an integrated manner. The surface element is thus mergedwith the cover component 12.

The laminar airflow may be provided as a laminar downflow, e.g. alaminar flow from above an operating table in a downward orientedmanner, for example in a vertical direction.

It is noted that the examples show one rail cover component. However, infurther example, two or more cover components are provided, e.g. tocover portions of a pair of rails.

In FIG. 1 a , FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 a single rail cover component is shownfor explaining details of the rail cover segment per se.

FIG. 3 shows an example with a pair of support rails in the ceilingregion, from which two support rails only one is further highlighted.The second support rail runs parallel to the first one.

FIG. 4 similarly shows a pair of support rails, of which one is furtherhighlighted and referred to.

In an option, instead of a pair of rail, only one rail is provided.

In a further option, two or more rail cover segments are provided alonga single support rail, or on one of two support rails, or on bothsupport rails

FIG. 7 also shows an example with a pair of support rails above thepatient table.

In another example, the laminar flow is provided in a horizontaldirection or in an inclined direction relative to the vertical orhorizontal direction.

In an example, the support rail interrupts, i.e. blocks, a laminarairflow field and thus forms the two adjacent laminar airflows.

In an example, the two surface parts are configured to bring togethertwo adjacent laminar airflows in a streaming direction from the startingedges along the surface parts to the common trailing edge.

In an example, the two surface parts are configured to bring togethertwo adjacent laminar airflows separated by the support rail to form are-established, i.e. re-joined or joined, laminar airflow. There-established laminar airflow thus provides an airflow recovery, orcommon air generation by combining two adjacent laminar airflows thatotherwise would be separated by a turbulence zone.

In an example, the two surface parts are forming a wedge-like air guide.

The rail cover may comprise one cover component, e.g. when only one railis arranged in a field where laminar airflow is provided.

The rail cover may comprise two cover components as a cover pair, e.g.when a pair of two rails is arranged in a field where laminar airflow isprovided.

In an example, two cover components are provided for covering portionsof each rail of a pair of support rails.

The rail cover may comprise more than two cover components, e.g. whenmore rails are arranged in a field where laminar airflow is provided andthese rails need to be covered.

The ARC has an aerodynamic shape, which facilitates undisturbed passageof air, while also bringing the air flowing in through separate plenumstogether, thus creating an environment of uniform downward laminarairflow. In this sense, the ARC serves as an airflow stabilizer allowinga gradual and undisturbed transition of the air from laminar airflow(LAF) plenums to the region below the guiding rails, where the laminarflow is recovered. The ARC must have an aerodynamic shape, and in anexample, it is resembling a droplet with a sharp trailing edge, in orderto facilitate airflow recovery. In the examples, sides of the ARC arealigned flush with the edges of laminar airflow plenums to avoid anyadditional air pressure differences. Similar length of the sides of theARC ensure that no pressure differences occur when two airflows meet atthe end of the trailing edge.

In another example, the aerodynamic rail cover is provided as a bridgingcover to be arranged in a separating region between two fields withlaminar airflow. The aerodynamic rail cover thus bridges thelaminar-flow-free zone. A rail can be provided in that zone.

The air guiding surface element is configured as an aerodynamic surfacethat can guide an airflow or air stream. The air guiding surface elementis designed such that turbulences are prevented. The flow should remainlaminar.

The re-establishing of a laminar airflow, i.e. the fixing of a gap orseparation in a common laminar airflow supports the forming of an outerboundary layer of the laminar airflow, which outer boundary layerprovides a separation between the controlled laminar airflow and thesurrounding air in the operating room. Thus, hygienic conditions in theoperating region are further improved.

The provision of the aerodynamic rail cover thus avoids influx of airfrom outside the downflow area.

The provision of the aerodynamic rail cover further also supports inrestoring the laminar flow in the patient's zone which means additionalcomfort for staff and the patient.

The rail cover solution is a simple, cost effective solution thatoperates fully transparent for the user, i.e. it does not imposerestrictions to ceiling mounted equipment, nor does it require attentionfrom hospital staff to operate.

To cover at least some portions of a ceiling mounted rail system in ahybrid operating room environment, provides improved air supply. In ahybrid operating room (hybrid OR), the operating room is installed withsuch a ceiling mounted interventional X-ray system, resulting in a“hybrid OR”. The ceiling mounted X-ray system may be suspended by a railto move it along its longitudinal axis: This rail is generally placeddirectly above the patient and therefore crosses the laminar airflowplenum.

In FIG. 1 a , a ceiling line 24 is shown indicating a ceiling forexample in an operating room. Further, a rail structure 26 is basicallyindicated. FIG. 1 b illustrates the example of FIG. 1 a in a perspectiveview.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a further example of the railcover. Boxes 28 indicate outlets of an air supply system that provides afield of laminar airflow, as indicated with arrows 30. Further, anoutline 32 indicates a rail segment arranged between the two fields oflaminar airflow. The air guiding surface element 16 is provided with thetwo surface parts 18 to cover the rail segment. The two surface parts 18in their starting portions start at the starting edges 20, for examplewith the surface parts having a direction essentially perpendicular to aceiling plane. The two surface parts, in their trailing edge portions,merge with an acute angle. In a still further option, additionally oralternatively, the two surface parts, in their middle portions, run inan angle wider than the acute angle at the trailing edge, but alsonarrower that at the starting edges.

In the trailing edge 22, the two surface parts meet and form a pointingedge with the two end portions of the surface parts having a small anglein relation to each other. In a middle section 34, the surface parts arearranged with a wider angle relative to each other, and also a widerangle 36 in relation to the ceiling plane. The middle portion can alsobe referred to as tangent line. In transition areas 38, the linear shapesegment changes to a tangent line that gradually changes the direction.

In an example, the two surface parts, in their middle portions, run inan angle in a range of 30° to 60° in relation to the plane of theceiling surface. For example, the middle portion run in an angle in arange of 40° to 50°, e.g. 45° in relation to the ceiling plane. In anexample, the middle portions form an angle in relation to each other ofaround 90°.

The term “essentially” refers to a deviation in a range of, for example,up to +/−10° or up to +/−5°.

The acute angle of the trailing edge portions can also be referred to aspointed angle. The trailing edge portions thus form a smaller angle inrelation to each other than the middle portion.

In an example, the surface parts are provided with transition portionsbetween the starting portions and the middle portions as well as betweenthe middle portions and the trailing edge portions. The transitionportions, also referred to as transition zones, provide a smoothtransition for the changes in the orientation of the surface. Thissupports in guiding and forming, i.e. creating a laminar airflow and torecover the laminar flow, i.e. to recombine two adjacent laminar airflow streams.

Adjacent layers of the laminar airflow are thus gradually guided alongthe surface parts leading to a repaired or recombined laminar airstream,as indicated with arrows 40.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an example 42 of the rail coversegment attached to a support rail 44 in an operating room. An imagingsystem such as an X-ray C-arm system 46 is shown in the background.Plenums 48 of laminar air flow are arranged on both sides of the rail44. The plenums represent air outlets for achieving the laminar airflow.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of an example of a rail coversegment 50 in a border region of a laminar airflow plenum. A rail 52 isindicated that serves as support rail for an imaging system (not furthershown). A laminar airflow source is arranged in the ceiling area. Due tothe arrangement of the rail 52 (or another obstacle arranged in asimilar manner, the laminar airflow field is provided in form of a firstlaminar airflow plenum 54 on one side of the rail 52 and a secondlaminar airflow plenum 56 on the other side of the rail 52. A borderregion 58 is provided as an edge of the laminar airflow field. On theother side of the border region, a field 60 without laminar airflow isprovided.

The starting edges 20 are arranged next to border regions of the firstand second laminar airflow plenum, for example flush, i.e. face-to-face,such that a region between two laminar airflow fields blocked by therail, i.e. an intermediate region, which blocked region does not providea laminar airflow in a plane of the laminar airflow plenum field, isbridged by the air guiding surface element to provide a re-establishedlaminar airflow of the two laminar airflow fields downstream, i.e.below, the trailing edge.

Thus, a laminar airflow is provided below the aerodynamic rail cover toimprove the effect of the laminar airflow in form of providing clean orcontrolled air to a patient, and not contaminated air from thesurrounding air.

In an example, the starting edges are configured to be positioned flushwith the border regions of the laminar airflow plenum. For example, thestarting edges are face-to-face, e.g. aligned with the border regions ofthe laminar airflow plenum. As an example, the starting edges formvirtually the same surface.

The term “laminar airflow plenum” relates to a plane in which airflowoutlets are arranged to generate the laminar airflow downstream of theplenum.

The blocked regions may be caused by support rails of a ceiling mountedsupport arrangement of a medical imaging system. In an example, therails are mounted below a ceiling, while the air outlets are arranged ina ceiling plane, or at least in a suspended ceiling covering. The railsare mounted below in order to be able to provide a slidable guiding ofequipment of an imaging system along the rails.

If the laminar airflow is generated by outlets in a wall plane and notin a ceiling plane, and the rail is arranged in front of the wall plane,a respectively aligned orientation of the aerodynamic rail cover isprovided.

In the ceiling arrangement, the aerodynamic rail cover is provided tothe rail from below, while the airflow is oriented in a downwarddirection, such as in the vertical direction.

In an example, not further shown, the two surface parts each provide anessentially equal guiding length between the starting edges and thetrailing edge.

The term “essentially equal” length refers to a substantially equallength. The term “essentially equal” length relates to a deviation inlength of up to +/−20%, e.g. up to +/−10%, or up to +/−5%. The provisionof an essentially equal length ensures that air traveling (or streaming)along the surfaces on both sides is re-established, i.e. re-joined atthe trailing edge with the same air speed, or at least nearly the sameair speed. Thus, underpressure regions are provided that could otherwiselead to drawing in contaminated air from outside the laminar airflow.

In an example, the surface parts are arranged symmetrical, and thetrailing edge forms a virtual symmetry axis.

In a further example, shown as option in FIG. 2 , the cover componenthas a downward protruding dimension 62 of maximum 50 cm, for example, 21cm. Depending on the geometry of the X-ray system, the value can differ.

The term “downward protruding dimension” relates to a direction from thestarting edges towards the trailing edge, e.g. perpendicular to aceiling surface.

The maximum height is provided for preventing collisions with ceilingsuspended systems such as operating room (OR-) light booms and the like.

The term “approximately” refers to a deviation of max. +/−15%, such as+/−10% or +/−5%,

In a still further example, a width W_(R) of the rail cover segment isdefined by a distance between the starting edges, and a height H_(R) ofthe rail cover segment is defined by a distance from a plane formed bythe starting edges to the common trailing edge. The width W_(R) is equalor larger than the height H_(R).

In an example, a ratio of width to height is 1:1. In another example,the ratio is larger than one, i.e. the height is smaller than the width.In another example, the ratio is smaller than one, i.e. the height islarger than the width.

In an option, the rail cover component is configured to be slidablyattached to the support rail of the ceiling mounted support arrangementof a medical imaging system.

In an example, the base element is configured to be slidably attached tothe support rail.

The sliding may be provided by some roller bearings or guiding elementsto be moved along the rail. In another example, the base element isconfigured to be temporarily attached to the support rail of the ceilingmounted support arrangement of a medical imaging system in a fixedmanner.

For example, the movable aerodynamic rail cover sort of repairsdisturbances of a laminar down flow in hybrid operating rooms by ceilingmounted X-ray systems.

It must be noted that although the rails partly block the downflow,which per se would cause disturbances which in turn may result in mixingof clean and dirty air and as such can compromise air cleanliness, thecover solves this. The rail without rail cover can cause a low-pressurearea directly under the rails, which can suck in air from outside thelaminar area, thus mixing clean and “dirty air. However, the rail-covercovers the rail with an aerodynamic shape and prevents the occurrence ofa low-pressure and consequential mixing of clean and dirty air. The railcover is movable along the longitudinal axis so that the X-ray systemcan still pass.

In an example, a ceiling mounted X-ray system is suspended on a rail tomove it along its longitudinal axis: This rail is placed directly abovethe patient and therefore crosses the laminar airflow plenum. The railis covered by an aerodynamic cover where it crosses the LAF-plenum, toenable undisturbed laminar downflow. At the same time, the X-ray systemscarriage should also be allowed to travel along the full length of theceiling rail, so that the rail cover needs to be movable.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a top view of an operating room arrangement100 with a laminar airflow. The operating room arrangement 100 comprisesat least a ceiling region 102, not further shown. The operating roomarrangement further comprises a laminar airflow system 104, also notfurther shown and a medical imaging system 106.

The laminar airflow system 104 comprises at least one laminar airflowoutlet 108 configured to provide at least one laminar airflow plenum110.

The medical imaging system 106 comprises an image acquisitionarrangement 112 with a source 114 and a detector 116. For example, theimage acquisition arrangement may be provided as an X-ray imagingapparatus. Further, the medical imaging system 106 comprises a supportarrangement 118 with at least one support rail 120 mounted in theceiling region and a carriage 122 that is movable along at least a partof the support rail 120. At least one of the source and detector ismovably supported by the carriage. At least a part of the at least onesupport rail is arranged downstream the laminar airflow outlet. At leastone rail cover 124 for covering at least one part of the support rail isprovided. The rail cover is provided as an aerodynamic rail coveraccording to one of the examples above.

The at least one laminar airflow outlet is configured to provide anairflow towards a patient table 126.

In an example, as indicated in FIG. 5 , two cover segments 128, 130 areprovided for each rail. One of the two cover segments is fixedly mountedto the support rail to provide a fixed rail cover segment, and the otherof the two cover segments is arranged on the rail in a displaceablemanner. For example, the cover segment can temporarily be moved away andmoved back in place later. In other words, an adjustable rail coversegment is provided. In FIG. 5 , the cover segment 128 is movable, asindicated with arrow 132. The cover segment 130 is fixed. For example,the adjustable rail cover segment is provided as a movable coversegment. The movable cover segment 128 is at least partly insertableinto the fixed rail cover segment 130, as indicated in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b. In another option, the fixed rail cover segment is at least partlyinsertable into the movable cover segment. The two cover segments areforming a telescopic cover component.

In FIG. 5 , also further equipment such as a ceiling suspended display(not shown in detail) and an interface arrangement 134 is indicated.

In FIG. 5 , an arrow 136 indicates a longitudinal range in which thecarriage 122 can be moved along the rails 120. An arrow 138 indicatesthe movability of the carriage 122 along the rails 120.

The movable cover segment 128 can be referred to as movable ARC, thefixed cover segment 130 can be referred to as fixed ARC docks.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show a rail arrangement with rail covers resulting inan adaptable field of laminar airflow. FIG. 6 a shows a carriage for anX-ray imaging system in a first position, and FIG. 6 b shows thecarriage in a second position with displaced cover segments.

In another example, not further shown in detail, the rail covercomponent is an adaptable rail cover component comprising at least onetelescopic cover segment with a plurality of telescopic cover elements.In addition, or alternatively, the rail cover component is an adaptablerail cover component comprising at least one bellows cover segment.

As a variation, also not shown in detail, one end of the adaptable covercomponent is configured to be fixed, whereas the other end is configuredto be displaceable providing a rail cover component with adaptablelength.

In still another example for a moveable rail cover, the cover is aharmonic folding rail cover. In this embodiment, the ARC length can bevaried by compression or expansion of a flexible bag (like a bellow)which covers the rail. The outer contour of the folding ARC is similarshaped as described above and below, but consists of small segmentswhich can fold against each other (compressed) or unfolded (expanded).

In an example, not further illustrated, a laminar airflow system for anoperating room with a medical imaging system is provided. The airflowsystem comprises at least one laminar airflow outlet configured toprovide at least one laminar airflow plenum. The at least one laminarairflow outlet is configured to provide an airflow towards a patienttable. A support rail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement of amedical imaging system can be arranged downstream the laminar airflowoutlet or adjacent to the laminar airflow plenum. At least one railcover for covering at least one part of the support rail is provided,which rail cover is provided as an aerodynamic rail cover according toone of the above and below described examples.

The term “laminar airflow plenum” refers to an area within the operatingroom where laminar airflow is provided from the ceiling down onto apredefined area plenum of operation. The laminar airflow is preferablyproviding a flow of clean air, e.g. sterile air. This helps inminimizing the risk of infection of the patient due to contaminated airfrom the e.g. surrounding.

In another example, provided in addition or alternatively, also notfurther illustrated, a medical imaging system for an operating room withlaminar airflow is provided. The imaging system comprises an imageacquisition arrangement with a source and a detector. The imaging systemfurther comprises a ceiling mounted support arrangement with at leastone support rail and a carriage movable along at least a part of thesupport rail. The imaging system further comprises at least one railcover for covering at least one part of the support rail. At least oneof the source and detector is movably supported by the carriage. Atleast a part of the at least one support rail can be arranged downstreama laminar airflow outlet or adjacent to a laminar airflow plenumprovided by the laminar airflow outlet. The rail cover is provided as anaerodynamic rail cover according to one of the above and below describedexamples.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of an operating room 140with a medical imaging system 142 and laminar airflow system 144. Rails(covered by the aerodynamic rail cover) are arranged in ceiling plane. Apatient table 146 is provided, together with further imaging orexamination equipment. The aerodynamic rail covers, indicated withreference number 148, result in that a continuous field of laminarairflow is provided in the level of the patient table due to therecombining of the two adjacent fields of laminar downflow.

FIG. 8 illustrates a vertical cross section of a flow field simulation150 with two rail covers 152 arranged in parts with ceiling mountedrails 154. Three boxes 156, 158, 160 for generating a laminar airflowfield below are arranged. The area below the boxes is separated by thetwo rails 154. However, by providing the two rail covers 152 asaerodynamic rail covers, re-established laminar airflow 162 below therails is provided. As can also be seen from the simulation, the laminardownflow provides an area for the operating table which area can besupplied with pre-treated or pre-conditioned. Surrounding air does notenter the laminar flow field. In the blocked areas, where the rails areprovided, the aerodynamic rail covers result in the re-establishedlaminar air flow.

FIG. 9 shows a method 200 for providing a laminar airflow for anoperating room. The method comprises the following steps:

In a first step 202, also referred to as step a), a first plenum oflaminar airflow and a second plenum of laminar airflow are provided. Thefirst and second plenum are separated from each other by alaminar-flow-free region, or are at least disturbed in an area betweenthe first and second plenum.

In a second step 204, also referred to as step b), a border portion ofthe first laminar airflow is guided along a first surface part of an airguiding surface, and a border portion of the second laminar airflow isguided along a second surface part of the air guiding surface, whereinthe first and second surface parts are extending from starting edgesclose to the first and second plenum, respectively, to a common trailingedge, wherein the first surface part and the second surface part and thetraining edge are forming an air guide covering a portion of thelaminar-flow-free region. The rail cover component is configured to bemovably attached to the support rail of the ceiling mounted supportarrangement of a medical imaging system.

FIG. 10 shows a cross section of an example with a sliding guiderailarrangement for cover support. A first cover segment 302 is providedwith a larger cross section such that in can be moved over a secondcover segment 304. Further, a ceiling support rail 306 of an imagingsystem is indicated. A sliding guiderail arrangement 308 is providedwith cover support guiderails to be arranged along each longitudinalside of the support rail 306. A first cover support guiderail 310 isprovided for the first cover segment 302 and a second cover supportguiderail 312 is provided for the second cover segment 304. A furtherfirst and second cover support guiderails 310 a, 312 a are provided onthe other side. The rail cover component is thus slidably suspendingfrom the cover support guiderails.

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of a ceiling support rail of an imagingsystem with a carriage and two cover segments on each support rail.

Two cover segments are provided. A first cover segment 314 is providedwith a larger cross-section and a second cover segment 316 is providedwith a smaller cross-section and can be moved into or below the firstcover segment. At least one cover segment is arrangeable on the rail ina temporarily displaceable manner to provide an adjustable rail coversegment. One cover segment is at least partly insertable into the othercover segment;

A pair of support rails 320 is provided, on which a carriage 322 ismoved along, as indicated with first moving arrows 324. A laminar airflow field 326 from the ceiling region is also indicated. When thecarriage 322 is moved towards the laminar air flow field 326, the secondcover segments 316 are pushed to the side, as indicated with pushingarrow 328. The first cover segment 314 and the second cover segment 316have approximately equal length.

In an example, also indicated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the support rail 320reaches across the outer boundaries of the laminar airflow outlet, i.e.the boundaries of the laminar air flow field 326. The aerodynamic railcover comprises at least two segments from which at least one isprovided as an outer movable segment. Further, the at least one outermovable segment is arrangeable in an area of the outer boundaries of thelaminar airflow outlet.

FIG. 12 shows a further example of a ceiling support rail of an imagingsystem with a carriage and three cover segments on each support rail,also in a bottom view.

Three cover segments are provided: a first outer segment 330, a middlesegment 332, or inner segment, and a second outer segment 334. At leastone of the two outer segments 330, 334 is provided as an outer movablesegment. In an option, shown in FIG. 12 , both of the two outer segments330, 334 are provided as outer movable segments. In an option, notshown, only one of the two outer segments is provided as an outermovable segment and the other one of the two outer segments is providedas an outer static segment.

In a further option, also shown in FIG. 12 , the middle segment isprovided as a middle movable segment. In an option, not shown, themiddle segment is provided as a middle static segment.

In an option, two or more middle segments are provided.

In an example, the segment closest to the carriage and the middlesegment (or section) is movable, but the segment most distal from thecarriage may remain fixed (similar to a two-segment configurationindicated in FIG. 11 .

The two outer segments are provided with a wider cross-section such thatthey can be moved into each other. For example, at least one outermovable segment can be moved over the middle segment. Or the middlesegment can be moved into the outer segment. Or they can both be movedin relation to each other.

In case the outer segment is an outer static segment, the middle segmentis a middle movable segment that can be moved below the outer staticsegment.

In case the middle segment is a middle static segment, the outer segmentis an outer movable segment that can be moved over the outer staticsegment.

When the carriage 322 is moved towards the laminar air flow field 326,the first outer segment 330 is pushed to the side and over the middlesegment, as indicated with pushing arrow 336. When pushed even further,the middle segment 332 is also pushed 338 into the second outer segment334. Still further, also the second outer segment 334 can be pushed 340.The outer segments have approximately half the length of the middlesegment. It is noted that the second outer segment 334 can be designedto remain static, depending on the required travel length of thecarriage.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the example of FIG. 12 . In additionto the cover segments, also the sliding guiderail arrangement 308 isindicated.

It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described withreference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodimentsare described with reference to method type claims whereas otherembodiments are described with reference to the device type claims.However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and thefollowing description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition toany combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter alsoany combination between features relating to different subject mattersis considered to be disclosed with this application. However, allfeatures can be combined providing synergetic effects that are more thanthe simple summation of the features.

While the invention has been illustrated, and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and descriptionare to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Theinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variationsto the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by thoseskilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study ofthe drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements orsteps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude aplurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions ofseveral items re-cited in the claims. The mere fact that certainmeasures are re-cited in mutually different dependent claims does notindicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used toadvantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed aslimiting the scope.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An aerodynamic rail cover for an operatingroom with laminar airflow, the aerodynamic rail cover comprising: acover component comprising: a base element configured to be attached toa portion of a support rail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement ofa medical imaging system, wherein the base element attaches to theportion of the support rail such that the cover component is movablealong the support rail; and an air guiding surface element connected tothe base element, the air guiding surface element forming an air guideconfigured to be mounted at least temporarily to cover a portion of thesupport rail, the air guiding surface element comprising two surfaceparts that extend from starting edges on opposite sides of the baseelement to a common trailing edge.
 2. The aerodynamic rail coveraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover component is configured to beslidably attached to the support rail.
 3. The aerodynamic rail coveraccording to claim 2, further comprising a sliding guiderail arrangementwith cover support guiderails to be arranged along each longitudinalside of the support rail; and wherein the cover component is slidablysuspended from the cover support guiderails.
 4. The aerodynamic railcover according to claim 1, further comprising at least two coversegments; wherein at least one cover segment is arrangeable on thesupport rail in a temporarily displaceable manner to provide a firstadjustable rail cover segment; wherein one cover segment is at leastpartly insertable into a second adjustable cover segment; and whereinthe at least two cover segments form a telescopic cover component. 5.The aerodynamic rail cover according to claim 1, further comprisingthree cover segments that include a first outer segment, a middlesegment, and a second outer segment; and wherein the first outer segmentand the second outer segment have a wider cross-section than the middlesegment, such that the first outer segment and the second outer segmentare movable over the middle segment.
 6. The aerodynamic rail coveraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover component comprises at least onebellows cover segment; wherein a first end of the cover component isconfigured to be fixed, and a second end of the rail cover is configuredto be displaceable to provide the cover component with an adaptablelength.
 7. The aerodynamic rail cover according to claim 1, furthercomprising a magnetic coupling configured to connect the cover componentto a carriage of an imaging system and the carriage is movable along thesupport rail, wherein the coupling is dis-connectable, if the carriagemoves outside a covering range of the aerodynamic rail cover.
 8. Theaerodynamic rail cover according to claim 1, wherein the starting edgesare configured to be arranged next to border regions of a laminarairflow plenum such that an intermediate region between two laminarairflow fields is bridged by the air guiding surface element in order toprovide a re-established laminar airflow of the two laminar airflowfields downstream the common trailing edge.
 9. The aerodynamic railcover according to claim 1, wherein a width of a rail cover segment isdefined by a distance between the starting edges, and a height of therail cover segment is defined by a distance from a plane formed by thestarting edges to the common trailing edge; and wherein the width isequal or larger than the height; and wherein each of the two surfaceparts at least one of: (i) in a starting portion, extend from thestarting edges in a perpendicular direction to a plane of a ceilingsurface; (ii) in a trailing edge portion, merge with an acute angle; or(iii) in middle portions, run in an angle wider than the acute angle atthe common trailing edge, but also narrower than at the starting edges.10. A laminar airflow system for an operating room with a medicalimaging system, the airflow system comprising: at least one laminarairflow outlet configured to provide at least one laminar airflow plenumand provide an airflow towards a patient table; the support railarrangeable downstream from the laminar airflow outlet or adjacent tothe laminar airflow plenum; and the aerodynamic rail cover according toclaim
 1. 11. The laminar airflow system according to claim 10, whereinthe support rail reaches across outer boundaries of the laminar airflowoutlet; and wherein the aerodynamic rail cover comprises at least twosegments from which at least one segment is provided as an outer movablesegment; wherein the outer movable segment is arrangeable in an area ofthe outer boundaries of the laminar airflow outlet.
 12. The laminarairflow system according to claim 11, wherein the aerodynamic rail covercomprises at least three segments, including the at least one outermovable segment and a middle segment; and wherein the at least one outermovable segment has a wider cross section than the middle segment suchthat the at least one outer movable segment and the middle segment aremoveable into each other.
 13. A medical imaging system for an operatingroom with laminar airflow, the imaging system comprising: an imageacquisition arrangement with a source and a detector; a ceiling mountedsupport arrangement with a support rail and a carriage movable along atleast a part of the support rail, wherein at least one of the source anddetector is movably supported by the carriage, wherein at least a partof the support rail of the ceiling mounted support arrangement of themedical imaging system is arrangeable downstream a laminar airflowoutlet or adjacent to a laminar airflow plenum provided by the laminarairflow outlet; and the aerodynamic rail cover according to claim
 1. 14.An operating room arrangement with a laminar airflow, the arrangementcomprising: a ceiling region; a laminar airflow system comprising atleast one laminar airflow outlet configured to provide at least onelaminar airflow plenum, the at least one laminar airflow outletconfigured to provide an airflow towards a patient table; a medicalimaging system comprising an image acquisition arrangement with a sourceand a detector and a support arrangement with at least one support railmounted in the ceiling region and a carriage movable along at least apart of at least one support rail, wherein at least one of the sourceand detector is movably supported by the carriage and at least a part ofthe at least one support rail is arranged downstream of the at least onelaminar airflow outlet; and the aerodynamic rail cover according toclaim
 1. 15. A method for providing a laminar airflow for an operatingroom, the method comprising: providing a first plenum of laminar airflowand a second plenum of laminar airflow; wherein, in a plane ofgeneration, the first plenum and the second plenum are separated fromeach other by a laminar-flow-free region; movably attaching a covercomponent to a support rail of a ceiling mounted support arrangement ofa medical imaging system, wherein the cover component comprises a baseelement and an air guiding surface element connected to the baseelement; guiding a border portion of the first plenum of laminar airflowalong a first surface part of an air guiding surface of the air guidingsurface element, and guiding a border portion of the second plenum oflaminar airflow along a second surface part of the air guiding surface,wherein the first surface part and the second surface part are extendingfrom starting edges positioned close to the first plenum of laminarairflow and the second plenum of laminar airflow, respectively, to acommon trailing edge, wherein the first surface part and the secondsurface part and the trailing edge forms an air guide covering a portionof the laminar-flow-free region.